Destination Guide
Puerto Marina · Cable Car · Selwo Marina · Three Destinations in One
Overview
Benalmádena offers three very different holiday experiences within one municipality. The historic whitewashed hilltop pueblo, the lively beach resort of Benalmádena Costa, and the spectacular Puerto Marina create a destination of genuine variety and character.
Puerto Marina. Spain's largest marina, is the star attraction: a beautiful waterfront of Venetian-inspired architecture with excellent restaurants, the outstanding Selwo Marina aquarium and a lively atmosphere that makes it one of the most enjoyable places on the coast for an evening out. The cable car ride up Calamorro mountain is unmissable, the views on a clear day extend to Morocco.
From Airport
~20 min drive
Cable Car
769 m, views to Morocco
Marina
Spain's largest (puerto deportivo)
Best For
Families, couples, culture
Train
Cercanías C1 to Málaga
Aquarium
Selwo Marina (excellent)
Attractions
Spain's largest marina and one of its most beautiful, inspired by Venetian architecture, with colourful waterfront buildings, excellent restaurants and a lively atmosphere. One of the Costa del Sol's most photogenic spots.
Tip: Visit at sunset when the buildings reflect dramatically in the water. Evening dining here is excellent.
A spectacular 15-minute cable car ride rising 769 metres to the summit of Calamorro mountain, with views across the entire Costa del Sol, Gibraltar and (on clear days) the Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Tip: Go in the morning for the clearest views. Download the AllTrails app for the mountain hiking routes at the top.
An excellent marine park and aquarium adjacent to Puerto Marina, with penguins, dolphins, sharks, rays and a fantastic seal show. One of the best family attractions on the Costa del Sol.
Tip: The dolphin show times are limited, check the schedule and book online for the best price.
The original hilltop village, a beautifully preserved whitewashed Andalusian settlement with a small archaeological museum, local restaurants and magnificent views that most coastal visitors never discover.
Tip: Drive up in the late afternoon for golden hour light on the white buildings and a sundowner at the village bar.
One of Spain's classic amusement parks, excellent for families with children, with a mix of rides, shows and live entertainment in a beautiful garden setting.
Tip: Evening visits are magical when the park is lit up. Combine with dinner at Puerto Marina.
A surprising and beautiful landmark, the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world, located on a hillside above the town with peaceful gardens and extraordinary views over the coast.
Tip: Free to visit. The stupa is open to all faiths. The gardens are beautifully maintained and very peaceful.
Private villas with pools near the marina, beaches and cable car. Ideal location for exploring the central Costa del Sol.
Browse VillasFAQ
Benalmádena is technically one municipality but has three very distinct areas: Benalmádena Pueblo (the historic whitewashed hilltop village), Arroyo de la Miel (the main residential and commercial centre) and Benalmádena Costa (the beach resort). Each has its own character and appeals to different visitors.
The Teleférico de Benalmádena is one of the most spectacular cable car rides in Spain, rising 769 metres to the summit of Calamorro mountain with panoramic views over the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar and the Atlas mountains of Morocco on a clear day. The ride takes 15 minutes and the views from the top are extraordinary. Absolutely worth it.
Puerto Marina is the largest marina in Spain and one of the most attractive, with distinctive Venetian-inspired architecture, colourful buildings reflected in the water, excellent restaurants and a very pleasant atmosphere. It's a great spot for an evening meal and a stroll, and the Selwo Marina aquarium here is very good for families.
Benalmádena is approximately 18 km west of Málaga city, about 20 minutes by road or 25 minutes on the Cercanías C1 train. From Málaga Airport it's around 20 minutes. It's one of the best-connected resort towns on the coast.
